33,000 Teso war victims to ‘taste cash in October’

Over 33,000 Teso war victims to ‘taste cash in October’

By Robert edwomu

Soroti – September, 18 2021: The long awaited cattle compensation is expected next month, years after some claimants said they had lost hope.

Government said it has released UGX150 billion for the compensation of Teso, Lango and Acholi claimants.

At least 92,000 claimants are to be verified.

TND News understands that 33,664 Teso war claimants are to benefit from the compensation in October after successful verification ‘starting immediately’.

 Richard Omongole, the lawyer for the claimants say they have returned to Court to present a report on the agreed position between the Attorney General, MPs and security cycles basing on the earlier ruling on the compensation.

He says after one month they will go back to Court to report and on 24 October in Parliament to present the progress on the verification exercise.

George Kallemera is the Commissioner in the Attorney General’s office. He says on Tuesday 17 September they had meetings together with the Deputy Speaker, Attorney General, Members of Parliament, Regional Internal Security Officers (RISOs), and District Internal Security Officers (DISOs) and agreed on the followings;

Orders emanating from the ruling to pay the claimants be halted till the claimants are verified and proven as the rightful claimants that suffered from the insurgency.

DISOs directed to get all the details of persons who were early on verified and share the list with the lawyers such that payment can be effected as soon as possible.

Once the verification exercise is done, return to Court to register statements based on the agreed figures they have come out with in  a joint exercise.

Philip Mwaka, the acting Assistant Commissioner, Attorney General’s Office noted that Data Cards have been printed and given to the Regional, District and Gombola Internal Security Officers (RISOs, DISOs GISOs) that will jointly, together with the district team help in the verification exercise.

The cards will capture bio-data, National Identity Card, Letters of Administration (all details of the claimants).

The forms will be filled in three duplicates; one copy for the claimant, second to the district and third copy to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

Otet Bernard, 46, from Amuria district says he lost over 47 cattle to the Karamojong warriors.

Paprus Imodot Edimu, of the claimants agonized in Court before the Judge that the government has in many times promised to compensate them but nothing tangible is seen.

“Every time promising, promising; nothing is done when we are dying,” Imodot cries in Court.

John Peter Amou, another victim from Kapelebyong district, says he lost 120 cows.

The matter before Justice Dr. Henry P. Adonyo at Soroti High Court was adjourned to 19  October when the team will be reporting for amendments and mention.